We all have a picture in our heads when talking about the underworld as it has always been portrayed as dark and sleazy, but is so far from the truth. Today I had nothing planned as work has literally come to a standstill yet again and though I would catch up with one of my contacts. I haven't spoken to him within over 2 years and thought it rude to just use them when you need them. Part of it was also making sure they were still operational as they are seriously handy to know. Lockdowns have changed so many businesses and in some ways I expect these guys are busier than ever.
10 years ago I would never in my wildest dreams contemplated some of the rabbit holes I have gone down getting involved in things I normally wouldn't. Nothing bad mind you as I am straight laced or thought I was until forced due to regulations on obtaining foreign currencies.
Never rule anything out as circumstances sometimes don't leave you many options and in some ways this is like talking to your bank manager only with yes as the answers. I have never had a no from these people and their job is to help solve problems you encounter. This is how they earn their percentages which are cheaper than the banks which shows you what a joke the entire system we have today. Their rate was roughly 0.5% cheaper than the banks current rate of exchange with the British Pound plus a few percent cheaper than the bank "service rates".
When a country has strict regulations regarding foreign currencies there is so much happening that one wouldn't expect. I know of a few companies that use these services when the banks have refused which helps no one. Imagine having to secure orders overseas for clients but cannot place that order as you have an outstanding order waiting delivery. This is fairly common and makes no business sense hence these gentleman fulfil the needs required.
I think anything you do that is perceived as illegal you tend to worry until the deal is done. In crypto we feel like that all the time as the regulators are trying to screw you with every move. Ridiculous to think that according to local regulations travelling with your cold wallet is actually breaking the laws as you should in their minds be obtaining permission to move currencies around.
Having a relationship is what I find helps so you are just not a customer but someone who can be trusted. Phoning up when you need something to phoning up to pop around for coffee is entirely different and is always appreciated. I doubt many do it as I find it makes a difference when negotiating like anything else in life.
Today was more about what I may need in the future and how the exchange rates and money flows were currently. These money flows are slightly different as they involve sports bags of cash and could be any currency involved. You don't ask too many questions as obviously this is highly illegal and why there is a heavy security presence involved. Always good to know the lie of the land though as one never knows when you might need help. I am hoping once I get my new crypto bank card that these visits will eventually dry up and become more legal which actually isn't, but is still safer.